What is Approved Document Q?

From October 2015, the security of new homes will be included in the Buildings Regulations in England. This in now referred to as Approved Document Q.

Approved Document Q currently only applies to new build homes, and any home that has been converted from a commercial use to residential use.

Approved Document Q is the new regulation (passed in October 2015) that applies to all new build homes and any homes that have come from a building that has a change of use such as from commercial to residential, and even barn conversions. This also applies to any dwellings that fall within a conservation area. It only applies to plans that have been passed after this time, any plans passed before October 2015 are not subject to the regulation. Approved Document Q creates security requirements relating to Doors, Windows, Bi-fold doors, sliding doors, and any other area of the home relating to the windows and doors industry including garage doors. This applies to ALL doors that are an entrance to a dwelling including any communal doors however it only refers to windows that are accessible at ground level and other easy to reach areas such as basements. This does still refer to any roof lights that are also easily accessible.

The requirements for the acceptable standard of security is that they all must pass a PAS 24:2012 (or later) tests and show evidence of this. This can usually be obtained from where the products were bought.

Secured by design is a step further than PAS 24 and adds further safety and security measurements. These are not essential to pass the Approved Document Q but are a good extra security measure for anybody that wants to improve the security of their home.

Publicly Available Specifications:
PAS 24 – Enhanced security performance requirements for door sets and winds in the UK. External doorsets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk (2012)

ABOUT US

Midland Bi-folds have come a long way from their humble beginnings and will always remember that it would not have been possible without their customers support. They recognise that each and every individual customer has been important to their success so continue to treat each new customer with great gratification for their support.